Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-23

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel and zinc (2014)

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The line graph illustrates changes in the average monthly prices across three metals, namely copper, nickel, and zinc, over the period from January to December 2014.

Overall, it is evident that the figures exhibited contrasting trends over the given period, with some prices increasing, while others declined or fluctuated. Nickel fluctuated significantly throughout the given period. However, both copper and zinc fluctuated slightly during 2014.

Looking at the details, copper stood at roughly 2% in January and fluctuated slightly before reaching approximately 1% between July and September, after which it increased slowly to approximately 1.75% by the end of the period. Moreover, zinc started at around 1% in January and then rose to approximately 3% in February. Thereafter, it decreased gradually to roughly -1% in June and then increased steadily to around 2% by the end of the period.

In January, nickel started at 6%, after which it fell dramatically to approximately 1% in March, and then decreased sharply to roughly -3% in June. Subsequently, it increased considerably to around 1% in November. However, it remained relatively stable by the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.0
Coherence and Cohesion7.0
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall7.0

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear summary of the main features and trends of the three metals shown in the graph. The overview captures the contrasting trends accurately, noting that prices increased, declined, or fluctuated over the year. Specific data points are selected and reported well, such as nickel starting at 6% in January and falling to -3% in June, and zinc rising to 3% in February before dropping. The comparisons and figures are generally accurate and closely reflect the provided visual data, demonstrating a well-developed response that effectively covers the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. Information is presented in a clear paragraph structure, starting with an introduction, moving to an overall summary paragraph, and then detailing specific trends in the subsequent paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', 'after which', and 'Subsequently' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Referencing and paragraphing are managed effectively, maintaining a clear logical progression throughout the text without noticeable mechanical faults.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms related to data trends such as 'fluctuated', 'increased slowly', 'rose', 'decreased gradually', and 'fell dramatically'. There is a successful attempt to use less common lexical items and precise descriptions of movement. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout, allowing the message to be communicated smoothly and precisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The text displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating various subordinate clauses effectively (e.g., 'after which it fell dramatically to approximately 1% in March, and then decreased sharply to roughly -3% in June'). Grammatical control is strong, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list items. While the grammatical range is somewhat standard for Task 1 reports, the high level of accuracy supports clear communication.

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